Saturday, November 22, 2008

This is a super yummy recipe for stuffing. I prefer a white bread stuffing to a corn bread stuffing personally. Although this is yummy either way, I don't think you can top stuffing that has been cooked in the bird. I again must apologize for my crummy camera (hint hint to anyone in my family who just might want to gift me one for Christmas) I just can't seem to get the pictures to look as delicious as the food.

Combine the sausage with the cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Toss the bread in 1 cup of the butter and bake in a 350 degree oven until toasted. Meanwhile in a heavy pan, cook sausage slowly, so that it is not dried out Melt remaining butter in same skillet over low heat. Add apple, onion, and celery and cook until vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in parsley and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Add mixture to bread and toss gently. Blend in remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add the stock at your will adjusting for texture. You will want it to be drier if you are stuffing a bird. If serving stuffing separately (without turkey), cover and bake 1 hour in 325°F oven.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Pomegranates are a great fruit to add to a holiday meal. I especially like to add them to salads because not only do they lend a sweetness but also a nice nutty flavor. But these poor fruits are very neglected because they are so messy. Here is a great solution to the pomegranate dilemma.

Fill a large bowl 3/4 of the way with warm water. Cut the pomegranate into fourths. Submerge the pomegranate in the water and break the seeds(arils) from the surrounding pulp.

The arils will sink tot he bottom and the pulp will float to the top.

Then all you have to do is remove the pulp that is floating at the top and collect the arils at the bottom. The best part is your hands will not be stained red and you will have plenty of pomegranate seeds to enjoy!

In a blender combine all ingredients except poppy seeds and blend well. Add the poppy seeds and stir with a spoon.

Instead of frying bacon (or in my case prosciutto) I prefer to cook it on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Oven temperature should be 350 degrees. The prosciutto cooks in about 8 minutes. Bacon will take about 15-20 minutes.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

The next instalment to the Thanksgiving menu is an interesting twist on a vegetable dish. I know that the horseradish sounds strange but I promise that you will be pleasantly surprised. No one will be able to pinpoint that the flavor is horseradish. This recipe is very simplistic but offers a rich flavor and makes for an elegant side dish. Feel free to change up the vegetables. In the pictures you will see that I added a parsnip as well as some brussel sprouts.

On a baking sheet arrange the carrots drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. On a separate sheet, arrange the beans and drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 10 minutes. Vegetables should be al dente. In a saucepan melt the butter over moderate heat, stir in the horseradish, the vinegar, the honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables with the butter sauce and serve.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

We have recovered! I finally got my computer back into my hands today. And so as I promised-the first of a series of great 101 Thanksgiving recipes. Have no fear...these recipes are tried and true. The first is a recipe for a great pie crust. This recipe will make 2 crusts. And then following that there is a simple recipe for Pumpkin pie. Make sure you have some fresh whipped cream to serve with it. For a special flare add a bit of cinnamon to the cream. Make sure you check in often...there is a lot of good stuff on the way!

Directions In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the butter pieces and, using a pastry blender or 2 dinner knives held between your fingers, cut the butter into the flour and continue until the mixture is crumbly and looks like the size of peas.

You can also pulse in a food processor. Add the water one tablespoon at a time, mixing in between additions (or pulse). You'll notice that a solid piece of dough is forming. If the mixture is still dry and crumbly add another tablespoon of water. The dough is ready when it holds together without crumbling. Best if refrigerated for about an hour.Shape into a ball and flatten slightly. Try not to overwork this dough with your hands. A quick knead is fine, but your hands give off heat and if you handle it too much it will lose the tenderness and flakiness that makes pie dough so good!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.Roll out pie dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Gently lift the dough to cover the pie plate and press in the dough so that it's completely flat against the pie plate. Trim the extra crust and leave at least one inch of crust on the edges. Tuck the extra crust under and press the edges with the tine of a fork to make a decorative border. Place pie dough in the freezer while you make the filling.Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-55 minutes. You can tell it's done when a knife, inserted into the center of the pie, comes out clean. Cool and serve with Cinnamon whipped cream.

I wish the picture of these pies had turned out a bit better. I can tell you they were sure yummy!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

My computer received a special little virus via an e-mail last week and unfortunately has been quite ill. I hope to pick it up at the shop later today. And I have been dealing with a virus of my own. So needless to say: due to the excessive amount of viruses inhabiting my home, I have been unable to post anything for a week. But I have some great stuff for you...so check in Thursday for the first selection of a great Thanksgiving menu.